PM Gonsalves recovering at QEH in Barbados

Prime Minister RALPH Gonsalves is said to be recovering in a Barbados hospital after having had a medical procedure.{{more}}

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Douglas Slater, in a release, said that the Prime Minister had been admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) over the weekend.

Gonsalves left St. Vincent and the Grenadines last Wednesday, for the Middle East where he was scheduled to attend a meeting of the World Investment Forum (WIF) in Qatar.

However, during his stopover in Barbados on Wednesday evening, the Prime Minister complained of not feeling well, and sought medical attention.

“The Drs suggested that he should discontinue his trip and take some rest during which they will do more detailed investigations. The initial part of this process was done in his hotel room, but he was afterwards admitted to the QEH on the weekend to make it more convenient to carry out the necessary investigations and also out of an abundance of caution to ensure that the best medical care was available with the least effort,” Slater’s release said.

“The investigations/tests disclosed that there seemed to be a focus of infection somewhere which was manifested as a persistent fever among other symptoms. It was subsequently discovered that there was a skin infection resulting in the formation of an abscess. The abscess has been drained and other necessary treatment initiated,” Slater said.

“Since then the PM is feeling much better and on the road to a speedy recovery. He is overly anxious to be out of the hospital and to continue his duties, but we are all insisting that he uses the opportunity to get some well needed rest.

“We wish to thank all of the many persons who have called and otherwise expressed their concerns, prayers and best wishes for his speedy recovery. The PM has asked to convey his gratitude and appreciation to all Vincentians and others for their demonstration and expressions of support and good-will. He especially asked to express thanks to all for the prayers offered on his behalf. We will follow his progress closely and report accordingly as deemed necessary,” Slater said.